You've Got Dragons

October 20, 2003
"Dragons show up when you least expect them," counsels young Ben, narrator of this picture book cum how-to guide for dealing with childhood anxieties. Ben is already practiced at dealing with "dragons" that sometimes stomp their way into his consciousness. These days the beast that rattles him most is the math-test dragon. Ben's dad confides he's seen his share of dragons, too. But Ben gladly shares tips with Dad—and readers—about accepting dragons for what they are and finding ways to ride out dragon visits. Cave (The Boy Who Became an Eagle
, also illus. by Maland) delivers her bibliotherapy with dollops of gentle humor. Her points are often sensible and encouraging ("Really get to know your dragon." "Talk with someone else about your dragon"). However, the very premise—"You turn around... and there they are.... Your heart thuds and your knees wobble and your hands shake.... You can't believe it's really happening to you. But it is"—may prove disquieting to some youngsters, while older readers may find the approach condescending. Energetic ink cross-hatching brings texture and depth to Maland's soft-hued watercolor scenes, which demonstrate a wide array of perspectives and dashes of silliness. The large and scaly yellow-toothed dragons sometimes mutate into gray shadowy shapes, befitting their amorphous nature. Ages 6-10.